The present work was aimed to demonstrate the possibility of forming Fe66Cr10Nb5B19 metallic glass coatings by detonation spraying and analyze the coating formation process. A partially amorphous Fe66Cr10Nb5B19 powder with particles ranging from 45 µm to 74 µm in diameter was used to deposit coatings on stainless steel substrates. The deposition process was studied for different explosive charges (fractions of the barrel volume filled with an explosive mixture (C2H2 + 1.1O2)). As the explosive charge was increased from 35% to 55%, the content of the crystalline phase in the coatings, as determined from the X-ray diffraction patterns, decreased. Coatings formed at explosive charges of 55–70% contained as little as 1 wt.% of the crystalline phase. In these coatings, nanocrystals in a metallic glass matrix were only rarely found; their presence was confined to some inter-splat boundaries. The particle velocities and temperatures at the exit of the barrel were calculated using a previously developed model. The particle temperatures increased as the explosive charge was increased from 35% to 70%; the particle velocities passed through maxima. The coatings acquire an amorphous structure as the molten particles rapidly solidify on the substrate; cooling rates of the splats were estimated. The Fe66Cr10Nb5B19 metallic glass coatings obtained at explosive changes of 55–60% showed low porosity (0.5–2.5%), high hardness (715–1025 HV), and high bonding strength to the substrate (150 MPa).
The properties, application, and methods for producing titanium and vanadium carbides are considered. These carbides are oxygen-free refractory metal-like compounds. As a result, they are characterized by high values of thermal and electrical conductivity. Their hardness is relatively high. Titanium and vanadium carbides exhibit significant chemical resistance in aggressive environments. For these reasons, they have found application in modern technology. These carbides are used as surfacing materials for the application of wear-resistant coatings to steel products. It is possible to use them as catalysts in organic synthesis. Titanium carbide is used in tungsten-free hard alloys, carbide steels. Due to its high hardness, it is used as an abrasive and as a component of ceramic cutting tools. Vanadium carbide serves as an inhibitor of the growth of tungsten carbide grains in hard alloys. The properties of refractory compounds depend on the content of impurities and dispersion (particle size). To solve a specific problem associated with the use of refractory compounds, it is important to choose the right method for their preparation and to determine the permissible content of impurities in the initial components. This leads to existence of different methods for the synthesis of carbides. The main methods for their preparation are: synthesis from simple substances (metals and carbon), metallothermal and carbothermal reduction. Plasma-chemical synthesis (vapor-gas phase deposition) is also used to obtain carbide nanopowders. A characteristic is given to each of these methods. Information on the possible mechanism of the processes of carbothermal synthesis is presented.